•A Sermon by Dr. Bob Griffin, Teaching Elder at Sovereign Grace Church
False Gospels abound today. Billions are faithful “disciples” to these
*Gospel of Getting – God is a cosmic vending machine, a utilitarian genie that is at the beck and call of man to answer every desire.
*Gospel of Health & Wealth – Every believer should be healthy and prosperous or he simply does not have enough faith.
*Gospel of Religion – Doing spiritual deeds to win favor and blessing of God. Baptism, giving, rituals, prayers, candles, rites, communion, attending church, taking the pastor out for dinner.
*Gospel of the Golden Rule – charitable deeds, Mother Teresa’s children, green living and hugging trees
*Gospel of Self-Esteem – Self-love, self-satisfaction, elevating self-image that appeals to ma’s natural narcissism and
I. CONDITIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. DESIRE TO FOLLOW
Matthew 16:24a Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me”
1. DIRECTION
2. OBJECT = “Me”
3. SAME MESSAGE
B. DENIAL OF SELF
Matthew 16:24b “let him deny himself”
1. SELF-DENIAL v DENYING SELF
2. INDULGE SELF
Remember, Jesus made “deny himself” equal with “take up his cross”
C. DETERMINATION TO DIE
Matthew 16:24b “take up his cross”
1. DO THE SAME AS JESUS
2. NO MILD EUPHEMISM
D. DECISION HOW TO WALK
Matthew 16:24b “and follow Me.”
1. WHERE TO WALK
2. DEAD AND YET ALIVE
II. CONTRADICTION OF DISCIPLESHIP
A. DYING TO LIVE
1. WILLING TO DIE
Matthew 16:25a “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it”
2. GOING TO DIE
Matthew 16:25b “but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it”
B. LIVING TO DIE
1. QUESTION 1
Matthew 16:26a “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
2. QUESTION 2
Matthew 16:26b “Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”